SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Jillian Sanchez of the University of Providence track and field team will compete at the NAIA National Indoor Championships tomorrow at 3 p.m. in the women's weight throw.

Sanchez qualified for the National Tournament on Feb. 22 at the Stinger Open in Spearfish, S.D. with a throw of 15.9 meters. Her throw also broke the school record for women's weight throw.

"It's great to be back," throws coach Alan Cress said. "Jillian is practicing really well. Our focus is to come down here and get another school record and get another personal record."

Cress believes Sanchez has all the tools in her toolbox to make the big throw. He's spent the past couple of weeks touching up a few techniques, but mainly has spent his time with her preparing her mentally.

"We've spent a lot of time talking about mental preparation," Cress said. "This is obviously the biggest meet of the year. Everyone is within about four feet of each other. It requires a lot of mental focus to go back to the technique you've been taught to throw hard again without overthinking it."

"The opportunity isn't lost on her," he said. "After practice today and seeing the other great throwers, she knows it's time to go big. We want the big throw now. We both know she can compete."

The opportunity to compete at Nationals also increases publicity for the Argo track and field program.  

"This means a lot for the program," Cress said. "The exposure of having a thrower at the National Championship is great for your program. It shows that were doing the right things and we have the right support group. It puts us on the map a little bit."